Waiting with baited breath for 'Fanaa'

New Delhi, May 21 (IANS) The pairing of critically acclaimed and commercially successful Aamir Khan with the immensely talented Kajol is clearly the biggest USP of director Kunal Kohli's much talked about "Fanaa", releasing Friday.

Both have a track record of delivering blockbusters but have never starred opposite each other before. Bringing together two powerhouse performers, "Fanna" is a love story of a militant and a visually impaired girl set in the backdrop of insurgency in Kashmir.

Moreover, the film marks the much-awaited comeback of Kajol to the silver screen after her long sabbatical and Aamir is the reigning darling of the box-office post the mega success of "Rang De Basanti".

Aamir's much-publicised strong stance in support of Narmada Bachao Andolan and statements against communal violence in Gujarat have also added to his appeal amongst the youth.

Though the actor has angered certain Gujarati political circles, who are now opposing the release of his films in the state, the film's producer is carrying out hectic parleys to secure clearance for his film.

Being a Yash Raj Films (YRF) production, illustrious movie merchant Yash Chopra is reportedly appeasing Gujarat political heads personally to avoid a ban on the film.

Already, the government has set a bad precedence by holding up the release of Hollywood films "The Da Vinci Code" and "Tickle My Funny Bone" following protests by sections of the Christian community. According to reports, a small-budget film "Sacred Evil" by an independent Indian filmmaker has also run into trouble with the Christian community.

"Fanaa", interestingly, has been making news from the word go. Beginning with its unique title - "Fanaa", that means "completely destroyed" - makes one wonder if Aamir will die once again in the climax, after "Mangal Pandey" and "Rang De Basanti".

Meanings apart, the hype around Aamir and Kajol has intensified given their dramatically opposite personalities. While Aamir is a methodical actor, Kajol is known for her spontaneity.

Kohli, who shot to fame with his 2004 hit "Hum Tum" has also roped in yesteryear's superstar Rishi Kapoor and critically acclaimed actress Tabu.

Shot in Kashmir, Delhi and Poland, others in the cast include Kirron Kher, Shiney Ahuja, Gautami Kapoor and Lara Dutta in a cameo appearance.

"Fanaa" marks Aamir's first attempt at portraying militancy on celluloid. His last brush with a film woven around strife was in "Sarfarosh" (1999), in which he played the role of a cop in hot pursuit of terrorists.

For Tabu, however, the genre is not new. She is still remembered for her remarkable performance in Gulzar's "Maachis" that was based on militancy.

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